"My name is not Savarkar; I will not apologise": Rahul Gandhi on disqualification

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• Mar 25, 2023 | Dhupali Das

A combative Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after the main opposition leader was disqualified from parliament. Gandhi claimed...

Digital Desk: A combative Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after the main opposition leader was disqualified from parliament.

Gandhi claimed that the Prime Minister is afraid of his next speech and used a Veer Savarkar reference to explain why he didn't apologize for his remarks in London and during the defamation prosecution in which he was convicted.

"I was disqualified because the Prime Minister is afraid of my next speech." I could see dread in his eyes. That is why they do not want me to speak in Parliament," said the Congress leader.

In response to the BJP's demands for an apology, he stated, "My name is not Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi is my name and I'm not going to apologize."

He also denied the BJP's allegations that he wanted international intervention in the country's domestic affairs. He stated that he had requested the Speaker to allow him to respond to the allegations about his London remarks on the House.

"BJP leaders claimed that I am assisting anti-India forces. I informed the Speaker that it is my right to react to these allegations. "But he didn't let me," he said. "I only have one step, and that is to fight for the truth and to defend this country's democratic nature. Disqualify me for life, imprison me for life, and I'll keep going."

"Do I appear worried? I'm excited," said Gandhi. 

Rahul Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail in a criminal defamation case by a judge in Gujarat's Surat on Thursday. Consequently, he was disqualified as an MP the following day, prompting a sharp reaction from the opposition parties.

Credit: NDTV